Giju's Gift (Adventures of the Pugulatmu'j)

Written by Brandon Mitchell

Illustrated by Veronika Barinova

HighWater Press

978-1-55379-947-4

88 pp.

Ages 6-9

February 2022

In a new series of graphic novels inspired by traditional stories, author Brandon Mitchell draws on his Mi'kmaq heritage and introduces the pugulatmu'j, the Little People who are guardians of the land.

From Giju's Gift by Brandon Mitchell, illus. by Veronika Barinova

While out strawberry picking, young Mali trips and loses her precious beaded hair clip that once belong to her grandmother (Giju'). But, though it seems no one believes her, Mali knows it was stolen, seeing a little person grab it as well as a basket of strawberries. Her auntie tells her of the pugulatmu'j, the Little People who live high in the mountains and like to play tricks on people to keep them alert. 

 

When she goes outside to play, she catches a little person about to steal a cooling pie. Puug, as he is called, is surprised that she can see him but promises to return her hair clip if she helps him gather some much needed supplies. During their scavenging, they see a jenu, a giant who is consumed by anger and determined to destroy all. 

 

With a little help from Mali's grandfather (Nemijgami) and an important, though chilling, stop at an abandoned residential school, the two new friends are able to put the spirit of jenu at rest and allow Puug his intention to protect the memories of the past.

It's our goal to collect as many moments as we can. (pg. 52)

From Giju's Gift by Brandon Mitchell, illus. by Veronika Barinova

Writing for early readers or early middle graders is a tough job in trying to tell a complete story while being sensitive and cognizant of the readers. Brandon Mitchell is able to create a story that shares elements of Mi'kmaq culture, including its folklore and history, as well as touching on the tragedy of residential schools. But, more than anything, Brandon Mitchell emphasizes the importance of holding onto the memories, whether it's by gathering items as the pugulatmu'j did or cherishing those inherited from our ancestors. To that end, Brandon Mitchell even includes instructions for young readers to create their own memories boxes to commemorate important times. 

Because Brandon Mitchell's story is told as a graphic novel, the visuals are important in conveying more of the story that cannot be told in the limited text of Giju's Gift. This is especially valuable for young readers as they transition from picture books to chapter books. Artist Veronika Barinova makes sure that her illustrations are relatively plain and uncomplicated, with the emphasis on the characters and their actions and vocalizations. She gives the right balance of creepy (jenu) and innocent (Mali) with settings of house and outdoors that are general enough to be familiar. 

With this easy blend of text and art, Brandon Mitchell and Veronika Barinova ensure that young readers will be coaxed to read more about the Adventures of the Pugulatmu'j (this is only the first book in the series) and perhaps learn about the Mi'kmaq, as well as appreciate the importance of memories and traditional stories.